Every since committing to practicing Dogen Zen back in September of 2002, with all my family and professional commitments, it's been challenging to find the time to sit. By sit, I mean sit zazen at home alone on my cushion. I'm disappointed in this reality right now, but to compensate for it I've been looking for times throughout my day where I can sit and do a few moments of zazen right where I am. There's a phrase from one of Pema Chodron's book that I like to remind myself of from time to time: "Start Where You Are."

If I'm driving to work and stopped in traffic for a red light, I adjust my posture as best I can in the car and put my hands in cosmic mudra and with my eyes open start a period of zazen for as long as the traffic in front of me isn't moving. Once traffic is moving again I just drive (and practice driving meditation as best I can).

Another opportunity during the day that I try to take advantage of is when I'm at work. Again, I adjust my posture in my office chair as best I can (sitting forward on the chair so as to not lean on the back rest) and place my hands in cosmic mudra. Then facing the rear of my cubical, I begin a short period of maybe 5 - 10 minutes max of zazen.

Hopefully I can infuse my day with enough of these opportunities to practice the Serene Reflection Meditation of Dogen to begin to build a consistent daily practice.